Nova
Dry Kiln LLC provides wood drying kilns that
exceed industry standards and achieve
the best short-term and long-term financial
results for our clients. Our Kilns are
of the highest quality, longevity, and
operational economy, plus they are the
simplest to use. We also provide superior
customer service and technical support
to ensure the long life of our Kilns.
Our method of wood drying is often contested by our competition, but
year after year, we surpass expectations in cost-efficiency and revenues. |
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Steps to Successful Lumber Drying
Nova
Dry Kiln provides an official drying manual and technical support
for every kiln sold. The simple to use procedures are formulated
to achieve the best economic results and yet provide the flexibility
most kiln operators require for their unique drying demands. To achieve
these results, we have defined certain steps that insure our customers of
consistently meeting and exceeding high standards in dried lumber. |
1. PRECONDITIONING
This optional initial step is used primarily for well air dried stock or mixtures
of green and dry lumber. Preconditioning helps to decrease the moisture difference
that can occur in different locations throughout the lumber stack. Our remedy
is to load the chamber, then heat it to 110°F for a predetermined time
at a low exhaust setting. This allows the transfer of moisture from high concentration
locations to low concentration locations within each packet of lumber. |
2. DRYING The primary process
variables of concern during the drying process are dry bulb temperature
and wet bulb depression. Wet bulb depression correlates to the amount
of moisture in the air, which in turn correlates to the equilibrium moisture
content of the lumber. This parameter tells us something about how quickly
the lumber is giving off moisture. By controlling these two process variables
in a very precise manner, we can use a pre-selected schedule to achieve
the desired end results. The kiln operator adjusts the dry bulb temperature
setting and the rate at which moist air is exhausted from the chamber.
The steps are executed sequentially. |
3. CONDITIONING
Nova Dry Kiln's approach to conditioning does not involve
the reintroduction of moisture to the chamber. Instead, we trap
the moisture that resides in the core of the wood and provide
enough time for the lumber moisture gradient to equilibrate.
Adding water in the form of steam has traditionally been done
to reverse or lessen the effects of lumber case hardening. Since
our drying methodology does not yield case hardened lumber,
additional moisture is not needed. The lumber equilibrates from
the core out in this stage. |
| Kiln Configuration |
| 1. The recommended
drying schedules for our kilns utilize a chamber temperature
of 90°F to 140°F. The chamber temperature can go as high as
160°F for the purpose of setting the pitch in softwoods. |
| 2. Moisture
is removed from the chamber using our unique Single or Dual
Powered Variable Exhaust System which used in conjunction with
our schedules, constantly vents throughout the drying process.
This system accurately controls relative humidity levels in
the chamber over a broad range. |
| 3. Chamber
air circulation velocities combined with calibrated constant
venting provide the proper amount of heat transfer and yet maintain
the ability to remove moisture from the surface of the lumber
quickly and with very low stress to the wood fiber. |
| 4. 1/8"
aluminum used in conjunction with our sturdy highly insulated
SIP panels makes for a very rigid sidewall construction impervious
to damage by lumber packets and forklifts. |
| 5. A
small vacuum or negative pressure resides in 80% of the chamber
that helps to draw moisture from the lumber and assists with
the compression of seals and gaskets making for a tight kiln.
This feature reduces maintenance requirements. |
| 6. Using
hot water as the energy source for our kilns makes for a lower
maintenance higher reliability heating system that does not
require meeting any regulatory hurdles. |
| 7. A
tarpaulin adjustable plenum system assures dry airflow through
the lumber pack and not around it increasing thermal efficiency
and decreasing drying time. |
